JTB Raster2OLE

About

AutoCAD has no Bind option available to bind raster images to a drawing. JTB Raster2OLE app for AutoCAD will help you to do that.

Run Raster2OLE and all raster images in the drawing will be converted to OLE objects.

Run Raster2OLE_Batch and all raster images in the drawing will be converted to OLE objects on multiple selected drawing files.

You may have company logos or other images (raster files) attached but customer or project CAD requirements might say that no external files are allowed.

What are Raster Images? Raster images consist of a rectangular grid of small squares or dots known as pixels. For example, a photograph of a house is made up of a series of pixels colorized to represent the appearance of a house. A raster image references the pixels in a specific grid. Common file formats are: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff.

What is OLE? Object Linking & Embedding is a proprietary technology developed by Microsoft that allows embedding and linking to documents and other objects. Microsoft Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) is a Microsoft Windows technology, which does not work in AutoCAD for Mac. When you open a drawing that contains and OLE object, it does not display in AutoCAD for Mac.

In Autodesk's Revit when exporting to DWG all images are attached to the exported drawing as external references just like as if "Attach Image" or IMAGEATTACH is used within AutoCAD. The dialog box "Modify DWG/DXF Export Setup" (accessed via Export>CAD Formats>DWG or DXF, alternativelly via Export>Options>Export Setups DWG/DXF) does not have any setting that will bind or embed images in the exported file.

In AutocCAD's External References Palette there is no Bind for image references and there is no Bind option for the -IMAGE command either. Raster image files are also included as separate files when using the ETransmit command even when "Bind external references" is used because it only binds DWG files.

Current limitations: Images that are mirrored, rotated, clipped, brightness adjusted, contrast adjusted, fade adjusted, with background transparency are not retaining their settings. Based on needs by users these limitations may be addressed.

Purchase

50 USD for one license of JTB Raster2OLE or less depending on the quantity of licenses.

If you have really many users that you want to give access to this software we can discuss a discounted price based on your particular situation. Educational discounts available.

The license is perpetual and support is included. If you have more than one computer and you are the only user of the application one license is enough.

Purchase directly from us. Click on Buy Now below.

Once you have purchased a license, click on Activate in the app dialog box, follow the instructions and email to JTB World for the license activation key. The key is typically sent back within 24 hours. Before activated, the app will run for 15 days without limitations.

Documentation

Raster2OLE - All raster images in the current drawing will be converted to OLE objects. Command is available on the command line or from ribbon button on Add-ins (or Plug-ins) tab.

Raster2OLE_Batch - Batch process multiple selected drawing files. Command is available on the command line or from ribbon button on Add-ins (or Plug-ins) tab.

JTBW_Activate_Apps - Run this command to activate the app.

Note: Once installed, the app is running in Trial Mode, with Trial License. Trial License will expire 15 days after first usage. In Trial Mode, you can use Raster2OLE command only. Once purchased a license run JTBW_Activate_Apps, Activate the app and follow the instructions. After receiving the Activation Key you can use this app with full functionality.